USS Corry DD-817
The USS Corry (DD-817) was a Gearing-class destroyer built for the U.S. Navy in the mid-20th century. Her keel was laid down on May 29, 1945, at the Consolidated Steel Corporation shipyard in Orange, Texas. She was launched on July 28, 1945, and officially commissioned on February 27, 1946. The Corry was part of a post-World War II effort to keep the U.S. Navy strong and ready for any new global challenges.
Named after Lieutenant Commander William Merrill Corry, Jr., the ship honored a brave naval aviator who received the Medal of Honor posthumously. In 1920, Corry was fatally injured while trying to save a fellow officer from a burning plane. His courage and selflessness made him a perfect namesake for a ship dedicated to protecting and serving the nation.
The USS Corry boasted advanced radar and sonar systems for her time. She was armed with six 5-inch/38 caliber guns, twelve 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, and eleven 20 mm anti-aircraft guns, giving her serious firepower. With torpedo tubes and depth charge projectors, she was well-equipped for anti-submarine warfare. The Gearing-class design focused on speed, agility, and versatility, allowing the Corry to handle missions from convoy escort to engaging enemy submarines and ships.
Throughout her service, the USS Corry was involved in many important operations and exercises. She played a key role in Cold War naval strategy, patrolling and participating in NATO exercises to secure the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Her adaptability and reliability made her a valuable asset in both peace and conflict, enhancing the Navy's overall effectiveness and readiness.
As a Gearing-class destroyer, the Corry was part of a class designed to replace the older Fletcher and Allen M. Sumner classes. The Gearing-class was an evolution of the Sumner-class, with a longer hull for more fuel storage, increasing range and endurance. These destroyers provided anti-aircraft and anti-submarine protection for larger ships like aircraft carriers and battleships and could operate independently when needed.
The commissioning of the USS Corry marked the start of a distinguished career spanning over three decades. Assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, she quickly became a key player in the Navy's mission to project power and maintain stability in crucial maritime regions. Her commissioning ceremony was a proud moment, as the crew prepared to embark on a journey that would see the Corry become a symbol of American naval strength and resilience.
USS Corry DD-817: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Corry (DD-817) was a Gearing-class destroyer, a class known for its robust design and versatility during the mid-20th century. It stretched 390 feet long and had a beam of 41 feet, making it a solid platform for various naval operations. Built with high-tensile steel, the hull was tough and could handle harsh maritime conditions. The superstructure housed advanced radar and communication systems, allowing the Corry to coordinate effectively with other ships and command units. Inside, multiple decks served specific functions, from crew quarters to operational command centers, all organized for efficiency and combat readiness.
The USS Corry was packed with cutting-edge technology for its time. It had advanced radar and sonar equipment, crucial for spotting enemy submarines and surface vessels. The AN/SPS-6 air search radar and the AN/SQS-4 sonar system were key assets that boosted the ship's situational awareness and defensive capabilities. It also had electronic warfare systems to intercept and jam enemy communications, giving it a tactical edge. These technologies enabled the Corry to take on various roles, from anti-submarine warfare to surface combat and escort missions.
When it came to armament, the USS Corry was well-equipped to handle a range of threats. Its primary weapons were six 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of engaging both surface and air targets. These guns were mounted in three twin turrets, providing strong offensive and defensive power. For anti-aircraft defense, the ship had twelve 40mm Bofors guns and eleven 20mm Oerlikon cannons, offering layered protection against enemy aircraft. This combination of weapons ensured the Corry could defend itself and its convoy from aerial attacks, a critical feature during its service in the Korean War.
The USS Corry also had a range of weapons for anti-submarine warfare. It was equipped with two depth charge tracks and six depth charge projectors, essential for targeting and neutralizing enemy submarines. Additionally, the Corry featured two triple-tube torpedo launchers, capable of launching 21-inch torpedoes against both surface and underwater targets. This diverse array of weaponry made the Corry a versatile and formidable opponent in naval engagements, ready to tackle multiple threats at once. Its comprehensive armament and advanced technology underscored its role as a critical asset in the US Navy's fleet, capable of executing a wide range of missions with precision and effectiveness.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Corry (DD-817) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning decades of service and numerous significant events. The recollections shared by these sailors paint a vivid picture of life aboard the ship, from routine duties to extraordinary experiences.
Joe Brummett, who served as a GMG3 in 1972, expresses a desire to reconnect with his shipmates, indicating the strong bonds formed during his time on the Corry. Similarly, James Capelle, a SH3 in 1965, reflects on his military career, which included a stint in the Army after his time on the Corry, highlighting the ship as a pivotal part of his service.
John McDonald, a STG3 in 1976, reminisces about the camaraderie of the "North 40 for lunch bunch" and seeks to reconnect with fellow gun crew members, suggesting a shared sense of purpose and teamwork during their service. Michael Murphy, who served as a SH3 in 1967, fondly remembers his role as the ship's barber and his battle station at Mount 52, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the gun mount crew.
Charles Norton, an EW3 in 1972, recalls the ship's training off Virginia, a trip to St. Thomas, and a challenging North Atlantic crossing during the "Perfect Storm," illustrating the diverse and sometimes perilous experiences faced by the crew. Kevin Roeser, a MM3 in 1980, mentions the Angelina Lauro fire incident and expresses a desire to reconnect with his friends Luther Webb and Marvin Woodrich, indicating the lasting impact of shared crises.
Raymond Zbylut, a BTFN in 1972, describes the Corry as his first ship and the best people he ever served with, underscoring the profound influence of his initial naval experience. Ron Cravens, an ET2 in 1958, nostalgically lists his fellow ETs and RDs, reminiscing about the camaraderie and shared experiences, though humorously excluding one individual from a hypothetical reunion.
Alfred Deutscher, a RD2 in 1964, recounts his arrival on the Corry in dry dock and his participation in three Mediterranean cruises, including gunfire support missions in Santiago and Santa Domingo in early 1965, highlighting the ship's active role in significant military operations. Michael Grimaldi, a midshipman in 1970, recalls participating in NATO maneuvers in the Mediterranean, with stops in Naples, Italy, and Valencia, Spain, reflecting the ship's involvement in international exercises.
Bill Hawley, a MM2 in 1972, reminisces about old navy photos and his Med and West Pac cruises, inviting former shipmates to reconnect, indicating the enduring nature of these shared experiences. Cuyler Heath, a DC2/HT2 in 1971, describes his dramatic arrival by helicopter from the USS America off Vietnam and his long naval career, with the Corry being a significant part of his journey.
John Jones, a LTJG in 1977, sends greetings to his shipmates and shares his post-navy life, including working in Iraq, illustrating the diverse paths taken by former crew members. James Lalicker, an IC3 in 1968, reflects on his youthful experiences aboard the Corry, including Westpac and Med cruises, and the personal growth he underwent during this formative period.
Delmar Lynch, a HT2(SW) in 1977, expresses a desire to reconnect with old shipmates and shares his current contact information, indicating the lasting friendships formed aboard the ship. Thomas McLean, an EM1 in 1947, details his responsibilities in the IC compartment and the main switching in the engine rooms, providing a glimpse into the technical aspects of shipboard life.
Lowell Miller, an IC3 in 1961, lists various significant events, including a Med Cruise, Hurricane Hatti, and the Cuban Blockade, highlighting the ship's involvement in historical moments. Joseph Mullen, a Lieutenant JG in 1955, seeks verification of his service for VA benefits, underscoring the long-term impact of his naval career.
Ray Owen, a MMFN in 1968, reflects on his brief but educational time aboard the Corry, which helped him advance in his naval career. Boland Robert, a BT2 in 1981, fondly remembers the ship and his shipmates, expressing regret at the ship's transfer to a foreign navy.
Jack Slosky, a FCCS (SW) in 1979, shares colorful anecdotes about his shipmates and their post-navy plans, illustrating the camaraderie and humor that characterized their service. Richard Wolejsza, a RM3 in 1964, recalls boarding the Corry in dry dock and participating in Med cruises, highlighting the ship's extensive operational history.
Finally, Alfred Zakrocki, a Seaman 3rd in 1946, proudly identifies as a plank owner and shares a significant contribution to the ship's legacy—a color photo of the USS Corry dockside in Venice, Italy, in 1946, preserving a piece of naval history for future generations.
These memories collectively capture the essence of life aboard the USS Corry (DD-817), reflecting the ship's storied history and the enduring bonds formed among its crew members.
USS Corry DD-817: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Corry (DD-817) was a Gearing-class destroyer that served the U.S. Navy with distinction. Commissioned in 1946, she was initially outfitted with cutting-edge radar and sonar systems, along with a powerful array of 5-inch guns, anti-aircraft artillery, and torpedoes. But as naval technology evolved, so did the Corry. In the 1960s, she underwent a major overhaul under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This upgrade equipped her with new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tools, like the SQS-23 sonar and ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launchers, boosting her ability to detect and engage underwater threats.
The Corry's capabilities didn't stop there. She received advanced electronic warfare systems and improved communication gear in later refits. These upgrades expanded her mission range, allowing her to tackle everything from anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare to surface action and shore bombardment. The addition of the DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) system in the 1960s was another game-changer, giving her an extended reach to find and neutralize enemy submarines. These enhancements kept the Corry relevant in a rapidly changing naval world.
Throughout her service, the USS Corry was a key player in many naval operations and exercises, significantly contributing to the fleet's readiness. During the Cold War, she actively participated in NATO exercises, showcasing her capabilities and strengthening alliances. Her versatility allowed her to escort aircraft carriers, support amphibious assaults, and conduct independent patrols and surveillance missions. Her presence in strategic areas like the Mediterranean and North Atlantic was crucial for maintaining maritime security and deterring potential threats.
The Corry's impact went beyond her deployments. She served as a testbed for new technologies and tactics, providing valuable insights that shaped future naval strategies and ship designs. Her role in training exercises helped hone the skills of countless sailors, ensuring the U.S. Navy remained a formidable force. The legacy of the USS Corry (DD-817) highlights the importance of continuous modernization and adaptability in maintaining naval superiority.
USS Corry DD-817: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Corry (DD-817) was a Gearing-class destroyer with a rich history of service. Commissioned in 1946, she quickly became a key player in the U.S. Navy's post-World War II operations. The Corry spent much of her early years in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, crucial areas during the early Cold War. Her presence in the Mediterranean was especially important during the Suez Crisis in 1956, where she helped ensure safe passage for American and allied ships.
In the 1960s, the Corry played a significant role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. As part of the naval blockade, she was tasked with intercepting Soviet ships carrying nuclear missiles to Cuba. The crew's vigilance and professionalism were vital in resolving this tense standoff without conflict. The Corry's actions highlighted her importance in the Navy's strategic deterrence efforts.
During the Vietnam War, the Corry was deployed to the Western Pacific. There, she provided essential naval gunfire support and took part in combat operations. Her firepower supported ground troops and disrupted enemy supply lines along Vietnam's coast. The crew faced many challenges, from enemy fire to harsh conditions, but their performance was outstanding, earning the ship several commendations.
Throughout her service, the USS Corry received numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. These honors reflect the ship's significant contributions to the Navy's mission. The Corry's legacy is a testament to the dedication and bravery of her crew, reminding us of the vital role destroyers play in maritime security and national defense.
USS Corry DD-817 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Gearing Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | February 26, 1946 |
| Displacement | 3,460 tons |
| Length | 391 feet |
| Beam | 41 feet |
| Draft | 14.3 feet |
| Speed | 37 knots |
| Complement | 11 Officers 325 Enlisted |